Mandalas
Go home
Maha returned to room 04 at Gardnella. He sat on the sofa which was now his new room. Since Mia was treated behind this insulating glass, Maha could not sleep alone in her home. There has been a lot of change in the last week. It was so much that he almost lost his own brother.
Mia is being given a transfusion of serum that has been modified by Prof. Said of Leno's blood. The heroic actions of the boy 2 days ago managed to save the life of Kay who was also almost lost due to the incident in the Tower. Profs. Said succeeded in extracting and producing serum from Leno as a treatment. They both hope this can help Mia and make her healthy again.
His t95 bracelet shook. There's an incoming call from Bon. Maha rubbed her bracelet. “Are you still inside?” ask the Bon hologram from inside his bracelet. Maha nodded. “You want to come here?”
“I'm already here.” The automatic door of the room opened. Bon was already in front of the room, carrying a paper bag that was quite heavy. Well, guess Bon brought him his second lunch.
“Nasi padang?” ask Maha.
“Not,” exchange Bon. He took out a quart of soda and 2 small boxes of berry-flavored milk. “You've had lunch. Here's what you need.”
Bon opened the milk box from beside him and gave it to Maha. Maha laughed at the sight of the two of them: two grown men, drinking a berry-flavored milk box, with a picture of a koala printed on its packaging.
Take the milk slowly. “Really, right? Better than chocolate,” said Bon while watching Maha spend her box milk.
“Yes, but I don't like koalas. The chocolate taste has a funny panda picture,” said Maha seriously. Bon laughed loudly.
Smile and laugh. When Bon finished laughing, they fell silent. Both of their gazes pierced through the insulating glass, observing Mia who was lying on her bed.
“How's Mia?”
“So far no overreaction to donor serum. May it remain stable,” said Maha. Bon
nodding listening. “But there has been no meaningful clinical improvement. I keep monitoring it.”
Bon patted Maha's shoulder. “Mia will improve.” Welcome Bon's hand. “Hopefully so.”
“Bon, are you okay?” tanya Maha suddenly. He knows recent events have messed up his relationship with Ayu. Bon bowed his gaze. Then they both fell silent. “Bon,” call Maha.
Bon looked towards Maha. “We'd better chat outside alone.,” invite Maha. Stand up and
extended his hand to Bon. “Come, wash your eyes briefly.”
“Where are you?” ask Bon.
“Cute only.”
Bon weighed in for a moment. Actually, he doesn't want to go anywhere. “Not out of this building. I promise,” Maha said, knowing what Bon was thinking.
Bon glanced at his friend who was still standing beside him. He welcomed Maha's hand and stood up. Maha gave instructions to one of the Mandalas in the monitor room, asking to be notified if something happened. Then Maha and Bon came out of Gardnella's room.
The artificial waterfall has been rekindled. The glass invitations projected as rocks and trees again flowed water from the end of the floor - 1. Maha invites Bon into the elevator and down to the floor - 6.
On this deepest floor, there is only a canteen, flying benches, a long table where to read, as well as an artificial garden. The projection of the giant waterfall empties into a small pond surrounded by miniature large tree trunks. Since the water is only a projection, there is no need for a drain there. They can sit under the steps, observing the beauty of the water as if falling and falling down
rocks, hearing the sound of nature footage, without getting completely wet.
And it's so beautiful.
There are not too many people here. New students will be back tomorrow. They can sit wherever they want.
Bon hasn't been to this place in a long time. Their unit assignments were always outside of Geduna. He forgot this artificial waterfall still exists since they were still in college.
“It's just right that you don't want to go home,” Bon said. He sat facing the projection. Maha stood beside him.
“My house is usually quiet. If we're not on our way out, I'll stay there alone. Mia only comes home during school holidays.”
“Now he is here. Although I never expected anything to happen to her, I.” Stop for a moment. “I just want to keep her company while I can. He's my only family that still exists.”
Bon pulled Maha's arm to sit beside him. “We're all here, Dude,” Bon said. “Kita
family too. You're never alone.”
Maha smiled. They fell silent as they observed the projection of the rushing water currents descending in front of them.
“I've seen it,” says Bon. Looking over, trying to guess who Bon meant. “I've met Ayu at Render.”
Render is a dungeon under Reppe's office in the northern part of Trikad. Not many people have been imprisoned there. Trikad crime cases tend to be between low numbers to none at all.
“I'm sorry, Bon.”
“Yes, i..” Bon is trying to find the right words. “I know the reason. Rosi spoke to me.”
Maha scrunched his forehead. “Rosi?”
Bon then told him what Rosi had told him. Regarding the old grudges, the conflicts of FIGHTERR and Tower, as well as the role played by the two of them. Take it seriously.
“I've asked Ayu.”
“Ayu apologizes to Mia. He did not expect your sister to be their victim. The sad emotion that was seen yesterday was actually because he felt guilty for making you almost lose Mia.”
said Bon.
Maha shook her head, “Whoever the victim, still it's the wrong thing.”
“Iya, she knows it,” says Bon. “He acknowledges everything. He said they threatened his father who was deliberately made sick at home.”
“He also pleaded guilty. They are all actually guilty. The hearing will be held in 3 days at Menara.”
They went back to silence. Both are immersed in each other's thoughts. He repeats what happened 2 days ago in his head.
A few minutes after the power went off, Frian and two other units came to the Tower to help them. The remaining three Lentipede died after that. Other units arrive and help with sterilization.
“Prof. Said said LTK has managed to track where they conducted the research.”
“I heard Mikrad was involved?”
Supremely shook. “Everything came from LTK's old lab on the coast near the forest. You remember there's a building under the lighthouse? Where we sunbathe when school used to be?”
Bon nodded. “I forgot it was their old lab.”
“Yes, they used the place. Manipulating its signal transmitter so that all are detected outside Trikad. Inside the government granary Mikrad.”
“They... deliberately pitted against us.”.
“Iya. Dangerous once.” Maha breathed a sigh of relief. “We are lucky all can be overcome yesterday.”
“Rosi managed to escape after he restored the network in LTK. He's smart to hide,” said Bon. “Commissioner Roman and Rosi not found”
“Their other members are not either. Most of LTK's new councils have not been seen since the incident. Profs. Said the story.”
Kay is in treatment, Prof. Said contacts Maha periodically. He recounted the progress of the serum, the state of the LTK, and the development of this case without asking. Then
Remembering something.
“Hmm.. Bon. Have you met Prof. Jery?”
“I've called him. He's at home. I'll see him after this,” replied Bon. Thankful to hear it, “I'm so glad he didn't disappear. Is it okay?”
“Yes, as soon as I heard Prof. Jery's involved, I called her that night. But he's okay.”
Possibly Prof. Jery managed to hide. Maybe Maha will also see him later with Bon. He also has not visited Ayu in Render. Apparently there's still a lot to do.
Suddenly Bon laughed.
“What's up?” ask Maha wonder.
“Complicated once our life during this week.”
Maha laughs loosely, louder than Bon. “What do you hope for? Life is complicated and sometimes. insane.”.
The sound of water grabbing the rocks sounded very real in their ears. They went back to silence while pretending to be under the actual waterfall. Then Maha and Bon's bracelets vibrate together. Joke sent something to their group.
Maha glanced at Bon. He opened the message. Hologram recording Mn. Sito appeared before them.
“Emergency briefing for all Mandalas in Geduna: All units serving in Geduna are released. Several people have been appointed to watch over those being treated. Care schedule
it will be given next. If you do not receive this message directly, you are required to leave Geduna. Signed, Moonasera Sito.”
Joke sends a message,“Fake. I got it from Mn. Jana was on duty yesterday. Everyone left when the incident took place in Tower.”
Bon nodded in understanding. “Sit's just that no one was seen there. They also hacked our communication network.”
Maha nodded. “They made me think Mn. Sito is part of them.”
“But it is impossible.”
“Iya, I know. I just...” Maha stop for a while. “feel stupid once thought like that.”
Bon patted his shoulder. “If you're stupid, what am I? Don't rebuke your friend who graduated with this mediocre score.”
Maha, the number one since school and Geduna's best graduate, laughed. “Who told you to follow in my footsteps and school here with me?”
***
Leno opened his eyes. He lay staring at the familiar white ceiling. Looking around, Leno recognized this treatment room he had occupied in the past few days. He felt a little staggering. Leno tried to remember what happened before he went to sleep.
Old grandfather, shooting, door locked, driving around empty Geduna leaping, running up the Tower, fighting Lentipede….
Leno draws one conclusion: his dream last night was very stressful. He can remember the details for real.
Leno stretched his hand, then he saw something on his arm. White plaster stuck inside his elbow. He opened it and saw a small black dot, like a dried up piece of blood. Why does he not remember anyone taking his blood other than the Professor in his dream?
The door of the room opened, he saw Mn. Joke got into it. Joke walked into the isolation room and sat down in front of Leno.
“How are you Lee? I didn't expect you to be so fast.”
“Si..human?”
“Yes.you fainted in the Tower. But at least there is no significant deterioration. You slept almost 48 full hours since that incident.”
Leno's eyes widened in shock. What happened at the Tower? Sleeping a full 24 hours? That means it really happened…
“Lee, is there a problem?”
Leno was still shocked enough to make a sound. He immediately shook his head. Leno feels ashamed if Joke finds out he thinks everything is just a dream.
Leno bowed his head, in addition to feeling guilty he also cursed himself. Why would he endanger himself like that?
“But if you're not around,” Joke clasps Leno's shoulder. “My friend will not survive. So, thank you.”
Leno turned his head. He saw Joke smiling in the raincoat. “Thank you for being careless and. well. breaking the rules. No, no, that's not the right sentence.” Joke's turn is confused.
Leno doesn't know what to respond to. But no one ever said that to him. Leno smiled and nodded stiffly.
Joke laughed a little. He let go of his grip on Leno's shoulder. “I want to tell you something. Do you want to know what happened to Mia?”
Leno almost forgot about Mia. He nodded in spirit. “What happened? Is he awake?”
“Not yet, but his condition is improving. He is half conscious now. Maybe in the next 2 days he is fully aware.” Relief was drawn from Leno's face. He smiled widely. “I know he'll improve.”
“Ya, and thank you.”
“Karena?” ask Leno confused.
“Mia and my friend, Kayrina, were saved by a serum that was taken from your blood. Profs. Said told us all you have what we were looking for,”, Joke said. “I've also spoken to your father. He agreed to donate the serum on your behalf.
“Kemarin Mia has been given the serum, not some time his consciousness improved. Although not yet full.” Joke smiled at Leno. “But it is very helpful.”
Leno has never been this happy. Mia will be better in a moment. Leno remembered the old geezer he left last night, “A..Is the professor okay?”
“Oh, yes. He managed to call us all as soon as the electricity and grid stabilized. He's fine, just a little sprained at his feet that's why he can't walk when you go leaving him to the Tower.”
Leno grimacing. “I.. I don't know what I'm doing. I feel like you guys really need what I'm carrying. so..” Leno swallowed his saliva and ventured to say,
“I'm sorry.”
“To be honest I don't know what to react to. But this time please don't feel guilty too deeply. All happened with the reason.”
Leno nodded. “So..when can I go home and visit Mia?”
“Oh, about it.” Joke thinks. “Because you were exposed to Lentipede 2 days ago so the isolation count restarted. So. 5 days more.”
“What....,” exclaim Leno with disappointment. “I've been waiting to get out of here. I should have gone home today,”
Joke laughed at Leno's expression. “Yeah, don't go home fast. You'll miss being here.”
“Not going. I miss my bed more in the dorm.”
“Or miss someone in dorm?” joke asked mockingly.
“Ti..no.. umm.. yes I miss my friends,” replied Leno.
“Good. You need to rest first. You can chat with them from here right?”
Leno nodded. He did not expect this to happen again. Leno looked straight at the wall that held the big television. He remembered the last thing that appeared in his head just before he was unconscious.
“Hmm.. Moonasera I saw another piece of memory that night.”
“Same memory?”
“Ya.. and some other memory. But, everything feels different.”
Leno was a little nervous. “I feel I recognize them. I can finally remember and get to know my mom.”
Joke was relieved. “Oh, that's great.” Then Joke weighed in for a moment, “Leno, I've spoken to your father several times. Looks like I should tell you this.
“A few days ago I thought that Lentipede had an effect on your nervous system, especially in the memory section. I've read a lot of research, reports, even theoretical notes on this subject. Unfortunately I forgot one thing.
“Yes that could not have been Lentipede that caused you to lose that memory.”
“Then..if not for Lentipede, because what?” leno asked confusedly.
“You didn't lose the memory of your mother a few days ago, you just realized that memory loss.”
Leno doesn't seem to understand.
“Lee, you've forgotten your mother for a long time. But you just realized it.”
“Ba..how can?”
“Because the memory of your mother is so painful. I found out from your father. He told me how you witnessed your mother's death.” Joke looked at Leno with haru, “I'm sorry.”.
Leno shook his head, “I don't understand.”
“It's okay. You don't have to understand right away. This is quite difficult to understand, even for ourselves,” Joke said soothingly.
“When we experience stress or bad events that we are not very fond of, our body tries to protect itself from further pain. This is called a defensive mechanism.
“Some people have mature defensive mechanisms, such as turning those unpleasant occurrences into humor or something.
But some people don't.”
“There are people who blame the circumstances for what happened to him, while there are others who blame themselves for things that are not his fault. There are also people who fantasize about painful things, trying to wonder what if it does not happen to him.”
“Then there are some people who deliberately delete the memory of the incident.as if nothing ever happened. And in that case, I'm sure that's what happened to you.”
Leno is still confused.
“Your brain deliberately omitted the memory of the incident. It makes you forget you ever experienced it. Your brain is trying to protect you from prolonged pain. That's the defensive mechanism you have.”
“Your father told me how you didn't want to talk for 3 months after that incident. He sees you as a different child. And far from what he felt. He lost a part of you.”.
Unknowingly, Leno's tears trickled out.
“You live by forgetting that memory, to the extent that you forget all the things related to that incident. You also forgot the memories of your mother.”
Leno sobbing. He had no idea why Joke's words felt right. Joke managed to carry something in her mind that had been missing for a long time.
“Your father also said you are very far from family. You haven't been home in years, have you?”
Leno nodded.
“I guess because you never felt..’home’.”
Leno wiped her tears. He looked at Joke and nodded. How does Joke know how she feels without telling a story?
“Yes, because you never felt it was your home. In addition to forgetting the memories of your mother, you also forgot that it was your home. You forget that the people who live there, your family who are still there, they love you.”
Leno is sobbing harder and harder. For a long time he had not felt this deep sadness. Like someone digging a wound that was deliberately covered in his heart, it felt sore but gradually improved.
“It's okay. Crying is a sign that you are a strong person,” Joke said with a smile.
Leno wiped her tears. Still sobbing a little but he felt very relieved. There was a very heavy burden lifted from his chest.
“Promise me you'll come home after this.”
Leno nodded. “Good,” said Joke smiled again. “Nah, son. What do you feel?”
“I.. I feel relieved,” replied Leno as she wiped her tears back. His nose is now watery and clogged next door. He felt something. “I'm glad to hear it,” said Joke.
“And.”
“Dan?” ask Joke.
“And I'm hungry once.”
Joke laughed as she ruffled Leno's hair from behind her raincoat. He said, “I'll send you food.”
***
‘Mia was ugly, I just visited you. You haven't been able to meet me, yes. They say you can't be bothered yet even when you wake up. I'm done being treated here. They're very nice. Mn. Joke and your brother used to visit and help me during my time here for almost 2 weeks. Long time too
yes.
Get full consciousness quickly, Mi. I'll be here again. Reply to my message if you can open it.
Everyone misses you.’
Leno typed the message before inserting the dx85 bracelet into the sterilization box on the floor - 1 Geduna. All personal equipment used must be cleaned before leaving Geduna. Leno replaced the white dress she wore with her favorite SevenG screen printing T-shirt. Aunt Irin brought her a short skirt she hadn't worn in a long time. Thankfully it still fits.
Leno waited for the bracelet to be cleaned to completion. He immediately ran out, carrying his backpack, and jumped into his father's flying motorcycle.
Leno's coming home.
There was not much they talked about all the way home. His father only asked a few things such as had eaten or not, whether he wanted to buy something for home, and other things around it. Leno replied that he had eaten. The food in Geduna is very good, it will not waste one last serving before going home.
As they were about to leave the southwest gate, his father pressed a button in the middle of the motorcycle screen. Two rubber wheels came out of the motor. Streets outside the city center do not flow electricity to make the vehicle float in the air.
They turned north and circled the great wall of Trikad to his right. Leno's house and his father's house are located in Dante on the Southwest side of Trikad. Not a big house like Mia's house in Jati housing, on the East side of Trikad.
Leno jumped down from his father's motorcycle. He looked at his house for a moment. It feels like it's been a long time, it's not been in this place.
“What's up?” ask Dad. He had finished parking the motor in the garage next to the house. Leno. “Nothing.” Leno approached the door of the house that was closed in front of him. He pressed
five fingers of the right hand on the fingerprint scanner.
Female robot voice appears from inside scanner, ‘Halo, Leno!’
Leno smiled slightly. This house, of course, still remembers Leno. The door of the house automatically shifts. What was waiting for him inside the house turned out to be far from what he had imagined.
“WELCOME HOME LENOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” jerit Amber and Niken together. Sept, Dika, and Jaffray were also there. They all wear matching pink t-shirts. They decorate Leno's living room with helium balloons and colorful ribbons, such as a toddler's birthday party. Sept had a pile of meat pizzas in his hand. Jaffray and Dika wore white bandanas that read: Welcome, Hero!
Leno was speechless in surprise. His father came in while embracing Leno. “I didn't know you had this many friends.”
Leno shook his head, “I don't know either.”
Hearing that, Jaffray and Dika laughed out loud. Spontaneous, Amber pinches Jaffray's belly. Niken wanted to laugh, but he abandoned his intentions after seeing Jaffray grimacing in pain. Sept smiled at Leno, for some reason Leno's excitement increased many times when he saw Sept's face.
Leno looked at the figure of the old woman sitting in their back seat, Ona with her purple bandana was sitting smiling looking at all of them.
In Leno's heart said, maybe what Joke said was true, it's time for Leno to return home.
